1.34% Is Barely A Beginning

February 10, 2014 in Campus News

I believe every staff member feels the frustration about the lack of money contained in our raise. Unfortunately, your union dues do not guarantee you a raise any more than your parking fees guarantee you your favorite (or any) parking space. They pay for our Union reps in Sacramento and throughout the State to represent our members, lobby our State legislators,  and sit at the table to negotiate many things like working conditions, health and safety concerns, benefits, pension, and all the items contained within our lengthy contract. As hard as we may fight, we can and will not get everything we might want.

We have been fighting for increased compensation and have definitely voiced our concern about the latest 1.34% raise being too small. We are fighting right now to reinstate steps and increase the number of IRPs being granted. We have won some battles in the CSU's attempts to decrease benefits, pensions, etc.. Our latest win came when we came together on our campus and stopped the proposed increase in parking fees.

At the local level, our Chapter officers are all volunteers and I assure you that we are working constantly to fend off bad practices, conditions, managers, etc., as well as to improve conditions in all areas. Frustration is understandable but there is something you can do.  Email, write, call our legislators and the Chancellor's Office.  You can use the following form (opens a new browser window) if that is easier.  If you have not done so already, you should also apply for an IRP. Many staff are receiving anywhere from 3-10% increase in salary using this provision.  If you need any help in doing so, we are here to help. Just contact me or any other steward for assistance. If you have applied and were rejected, we want to know about that as well and the details surrounding it so that we can address it.

I urge you to get involved and help us fight the fight. We are only as strong as our numbers. We currently have several positions that are vacant and we welcome your participation and your voice.

If you have any questions, please contact any of us.